MANILA – Philip Younghusband, one of the key players in the resurgence of football in the Philippines, has announced his retirement from the sport at the age of 32.
The Filipino-British Younghusband made public his decision to put an end to his illustrious football career that spanned 13 years in an Instagram post on Monday evening.
“Hanging up my boots! Thank you to my bosses, my coaches, team mates, competitors and all the supporters who have been part of my journey. See you all soon in a new adventure,” Younghusband said.
Younghusband first played professional football in 2005 when he signed with English football club Chelsea.
He suited up for the Azkals for the first time the same year in the Southeast Asian Games.
Younghusband then moved to the Philippines along with his brother James Younghusband and they became a fixture in the national men’s football team in international competitions.
Among Younghusband’s career highlights was when he scored the game-winning goal for the lower ranked Azkals against Vietnam at the 2010 AFF Suzuki Cup in a moment that would later be dubbed as “The Miracle at Hanoi.”
He also went on to help lead the country to its first appearance at the 2019 AFC Asian Cup in March 2018. The former Azkals skipper converted a penalty kick against Tajikistan in the qualifiers.
Younghusband, who also suited up for football clubs Loyola Meralco Sparks and Davao Aguilas in the local scene, wrapped up his international career as the country’s top scorer with 52 goals in 108 appearances./PN
